I would not oppose this. First, you wouldn’t lose all that much defense at first. Joey is terribly overrated there. And assuming Votto can properly measure fly balls, his arm and speed ought to be adequate for patrolling left field in most parks. But what about the psychological blocks? It’s just a hunch, but I don’t think Votto is all that much of a team guy. Too self-absorbed and brooding. The sitting MVP might very well balk at such an experiment.

What was the Reds won-lost record with Phillips leading off. I read your piece on his conversation with Baker. .302 obp doesn’t sound like he was too often “making things happen” from that spot in the order. If he would have done as well as he seems to think he did, he’d never lose that spot because the lack of a decent leadoff hitter is definitely a weakness for this team. And I’m not trying to dis BP he’s my favorite player on the team but I don’t see a successful leadoff man here.

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